Euphytica (2002) 124, 121-128

Harry S. Paris and Ron Cohen (2002)
Powdery mildew-resistant summer squash hybrids having higher yields than their susceptible, commercial counterparts
Euphytica 124 (1), 121-128
Abstract: Attempts at breeding squash (Cucurbita pepo) resistant to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea and Erysiphe cichoracearum) have heretofore been unsuccessful due mainly to association of the resistance trait with reduction in yield. The goal of the present work was to determine if heterozygous hybrids expressing partial resistance could be potentially valuable for squash growers. One heterozygous hybrid each of zucchini, cocozelle, and vegetable-marrow squash was grown alongside a leading susceptible commercial hybrid cultivar of the same type, understandard field conditions. Although fungicides were applied at recommended rates every 6 to 13 days to suppress powdery mildew, the susceptible hybrids became heavily infested later in the season. The resistant hybrids were similar to their respective commercially available susceptible hybrids in fruit appearance and other horticulturally important traits. The resistant hybrids yielded at least as well as the commercial hybrids early in the season and out yielded them later in the season.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Harry S. Paris

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Podosphaera fuliginea
	Golovinomyces cichoracearum	Squash/pumpkin (Cucurbita)
	Podosphaera xanthii	Squash/pumpkin (Cucurbita)